"The New England Patriots have had an elite run defense this year. As a matter of fact, they're number one through ten weeks, and are the only team to hold opposing offenses to less than 80 yards on the ground per game. That's no easy feat: last season, only three teams held opposing offenses to under 100 rushing yards a game. The Patriots had a concerted effort to become a better team against the run this offseason, adding Robert Spillane to the middle of their defense while also bringing in Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, both of whom have played major roles on the defensive line."
"320-pound interior man Joshua Farmer was the team's fourth-round selection, while practice squad promotion Cory Durden has been a contributor as well. After nine weeks, New England has yet to allow a 50-yard rusher while facing some really solid backs. They faced Ashton Jeanty, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Warren, Chuba Hubbard, James Cook, Alvin Kamara, Tony Pollard, Quinshon Judkins, and Bijan Robinson. All were held under 50 rushing yards, while Judkins was held to just 19. The run defense has been immense."
"The Buccaneers have a solid stable of backs, so it was no surprise when they had more rushing success than most teams against the Patriots in Week 10. Even with Bucky Irving out, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker are still a strong duo. As a team, they totaled 113 rushing yards. White's 10 carries led to only 38 yards, but Sean Tucker, a second-year player out of Syracuse, was the one to break the 50-yard rusher streak, totaling 53 yards on 9 carries."
The Patriots rank first in run defense through ten weeks, the only team allowing fewer than 80 rushing yards per game. The team prioritized run defense in the offseason by adding Robert Spillane, Milton Williams, Khyiris Tonga, drafting 320-pound interior Joshua Farmer in the fourth round, and promoting Cory Durden from the practice squad. After nine weeks no opposing rusher had gained 50 yards against New England; opponents such as Ashton Jeanty, De'Von Achane, Jaylen Warren, Chuba Hubbard, James Cook, Alvin Kamara, Tony Pollard, Quinshon Judkins and Bijan Robinson were all held under 50 yards. The streak ended in Week 10 when the Buccaneers totaled 113 rushing yards and Sean Tucker gained 53 yards.
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